2012 Toyota Highlander
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2012 Toyota Highlander.
What to watch for on the 2012 Toyota Highlander
VVT-i Oil Line Rupture
On early engines, a rubber section of the oil line to the variable valve timing can burst and dump the engine's oil within seconds.
Water Pump Leak
Water pumps commonly start weeping coolant with age.
Which of these apply to your 2012 Highlander?
Your guide shows which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.
Recalls on the 2012 Toyota Highlander
Air bags: sensor/control module-inactive
During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not…
Equipment: labels
These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added.
Source: NHTSA
What 191 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
2012 Toyota Highlander at a glance
- Trims
- BaseBase V6HybridHybrid LimitedLimitedSE
- Engine
- 2.7L 4-Cylinder, 3.5L 6-Cylinder, 3.5L 6-Cylinder Hybrid
- Transmission
- Automatic 6-spd, Automatic 5-spd, CVT
- Drivetrain
- FWD, AWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline, Hybrid
- Body style
- SUV
About the 2nd Gen
The 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander is the second generation of the crossover and grew significantly in every dimension, moving it into direct competition with the largest three-row unibody SUVs of its era. Engines were the 2.7-liter 1AR-FE four-cylinder and the 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6, with a Hybrid model pairing the V6 with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. Transmissions were a five- or six-speed automatic, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. A third-row seat became standard equipment across most of the range.
This generation introduced a wider body, a more upright profile, and a considerably more spacious second row with a removable center console section. Compared with the first generation it is quieter and much more practical, though the added mass blunts the four-cylinder. The third generation that arrived in 2014 sharpened the styling and improved interior materials.
As a used buy, this generation of Highlander has one of the better reliability records in the three-row segment, with the 2GR-FE V6 in particular considered a strong long-term engine. Water pump and oil cooler line service are the routine items to plan for on higher-mileage V6 examples. The four-cylinder is adequate but works hard with a full load, and most buyers should prioritize a V6. Hybrid models add complexity but have held up well, with battery service intervals now well understood.
Other Toyota Highlander years
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Frequently asked questions
What are the common problems with the 2012 Toyota Highlander?
Owners have filed 191 complaints about the 2012 Toyota Highlander with NHTSA, most often about the steering. There are 2 recall campaigns covering this model year. Known problems on its engines include vvt-i oil line rupture and water pump leak. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.
Is the 2012 Toyota Highlander reliable?
Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 2 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.
Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2012 Toyota Highlander?
Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2012 Toyota Highlander listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.